How does curcumin affect cancer cells?

Turmeric, or more precisely its active ingredient – ​​curcumin – is a compound with multifaceted biological effects, which is generating growing interest in cancer prevention research. Curcumin has the ability to affect various signaling pathways in the body that are involved in the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, as well as their ability to metastasize, i.e. create metastases.

Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation

Curcumin has properties that inhibit the activity of enzymes and growth factors responsible for excessive growth of cancer cells. One of the key targets of its action are protein kinases, which regulate the processes of cell division and survival. By inhibiting their activity, curcumin limits the possibility of cancer cells multiplying, which can slow down tumor development. It has been shown that curcumin can affect various types of cancer, including colon, prostate, breast and lung cancer.

Induction of apoptosis

Curcumin also acts as an inducer of apoptosis, the natural process of programmed cell death. In the case of cancer cells, this process is often disrupted, allowing them to multiply uncontrollably. Curcumin restores balance in this process by activating proapoptotic enzymes (such as caspases) and proteins responsible for destroying damaged cells. Importantly, apoptosis induced by curcumin mainly affects cancer cells, with minimal impact on healthy tissues.

Reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress

Inflammation and oxidative stress are two key factors contributing to the development of cancer. Curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which allows for the reduction of proinflammatory cytokines and neutralization of free radicals that damage DNA. Thanks to this, curcumin has a protective effect on cells and prevents mutations that could lead to cancer transformation.

Ability to block angiogenesis

The development of cancer requires the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which supply cancer cells with nutrients. Curcumin acts as an angiogenesis inhibitor by blocking the secretion of vascular growth factors such as VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). In this way, it limits the blood supply to the tumor, which inhibits its growth and reduces its ability to form metastases.

Curcumin has a wide spectrum of action on cancer cells, affecting key processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and protection against oxidative stress. Its anti-cancer potential makes it the subject of numerous studies that may open up new possibilities in supportive therapy for cancer treatment.